Ebonyi takes delivery of equipment for rice production

Ebonyi State Government has taken delivery of a new set of D8 bulldozers for the tilling of farmlands in preparation for this year’s planting season in the state.

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Five of the bulldozers which form part of the 13 imported by the the Engr. David Umahi-led government arrived Abakaliki, the state capital on Sunday.

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The equipment is to be distributed to each to the 13 local government areas of the state where the government has already acquiredÂ Â Â acres of land for rice production.

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Receiving the equipment, the Commissioner for Works,Engr Fidelis Nweze,said the procurement of the bulldozers was a practical demonstration of Governor Umahi’s genuine desire to diversify the economy of the stateÂ Â through Agriculture.

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He recalled that the state government through the governor had said that over N20 billion was expected from rice production in 2016.

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Nweze said, “The bulldozers are expected to prepare ground in preparation forÂ Â Â rice plantation this season. The remaining eight are to be moved soon to the state from Lagos Port.

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“We are expecting over N20 billion from rice production, come this year 2016.Â Â That is why we procured these bulldozers because if we hire it will be on high side.”

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The commissioner, who recalled that sixÂ Â Â bulldozers had earlier been purchasedÂ Â Â by theÂ Â Â government, added that graders would also arrived the state soon to prepare the roads leading to the rice farms.Â Â